Proper saddle fit is important for the comfort of both the horse and the rider. Horses having a smooth, ambling gait tend to be narrow in the chest with wide shoulders and high withers. Gaited horse saddles for sale are designed to fit this unique physique with a compact design allowing maximum freedom of movement of the shoulders and hips.
The mechanics of the "gait" are such that 1 foot is always on the ground. There's no jarring or drop as there is when riding at a trot. Breeds that naturally gait are the Walkaloosa, Tennessee Walker, Florida Cracker, Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter, and the Rocky Mountain, to name just a few.
A properly fitted saddle sits naturally on the back. The saddle tree sits behind the scapula, allowing easy and flowing movement. A well designed saddle comfortably distributes the rider's weight along the spine. Your equine vet or trainer can help you choose a good fitting saddle that will be comfortable for you and your horse.
The saddle should also fit the rider for comfort and balance. The shape and length of the seat affect the rider's fit. Women are more comfortable with a broad twist. Men usually prefer a moderate twist. A horse that isn't ridden regularly should carry no more than 20-25% of his body weight.
Choose a saddle with the same care you choose your shoes. And just like buying shoes, advertised sizes are only a rough measure. Gait isn't the only determining factor. Any equine with high withers and/or wide shoulders might be most comfortable in a gaited horse saddle. To examine the fit, put the saddle on without padding underneath. The saddle tree should rest comfortably on the back without gaps along the spine or withers. Don't try to fix a bad fit with extra padding. That's like wearing too big shoes with several pair of socks.
These compact saddles are designed with wider gullets, with twist and bars angled to allow for the longer stride. Often the gullets need to be higher to keep the saddle from pinching at the withers. The skirt is smaller reducing the weight on the spine. Saddles can be bought for English style or Western trail and endurance riding.
Don't wait until pressure sores develop to replace a poorly fitted saddle. Be on the look out for white hairs under the saddle area, uneven muscling, and uneven sweat patterns. Slow response to leg and rein cues, a swishing tail, and a low head position are signs of discomfort. Behavior problems like nipping, dancing, resisting saddling and mounting can be your horse's way of telling you the saddle doesn't fit.
Most online web sites advertising gaited horse saddles for sale also offer fitting tips and assistance. Many will send a form so the owner can test sizing for a correct fit. Before purchasing, ask about return and exchange policies in case the saddle doesn't turn out to be a good fit. You may also find assistance with fitting and purchasing a saddle at your local feed and tack shop. Also many online venues offer used saddles for sale. Again, be sure to discuss fitting issues and return policy.
The mechanics of the "gait" are such that 1 foot is always on the ground. There's no jarring or drop as there is when riding at a trot. Breeds that naturally gait are the Walkaloosa, Tennessee Walker, Florida Cracker, Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter, and the Rocky Mountain, to name just a few.
A properly fitted saddle sits naturally on the back. The saddle tree sits behind the scapula, allowing easy and flowing movement. A well designed saddle comfortably distributes the rider's weight along the spine. Your equine vet or trainer can help you choose a good fitting saddle that will be comfortable for you and your horse.
The saddle should also fit the rider for comfort and balance. The shape and length of the seat affect the rider's fit. Women are more comfortable with a broad twist. Men usually prefer a moderate twist. A horse that isn't ridden regularly should carry no more than 20-25% of his body weight.
Choose a saddle with the same care you choose your shoes. And just like buying shoes, advertised sizes are only a rough measure. Gait isn't the only determining factor. Any equine with high withers and/or wide shoulders might be most comfortable in a gaited horse saddle. To examine the fit, put the saddle on without padding underneath. The saddle tree should rest comfortably on the back without gaps along the spine or withers. Don't try to fix a bad fit with extra padding. That's like wearing too big shoes with several pair of socks.
These compact saddles are designed with wider gullets, with twist and bars angled to allow for the longer stride. Often the gullets need to be higher to keep the saddle from pinching at the withers. The skirt is smaller reducing the weight on the spine. Saddles can be bought for English style or Western trail and endurance riding.
Don't wait until pressure sores develop to replace a poorly fitted saddle. Be on the look out for white hairs under the saddle area, uneven muscling, and uneven sweat patterns. Slow response to leg and rein cues, a swishing tail, and a low head position are signs of discomfort. Behavior problems like nipping, dancing, resisting saddling and mounting can be your horse's way of telling you the saddle doesn't fit.
Most online web sites advertising gaited horse saddles for sale also offer fitting tips and assistance. Many will send a form so the owner can test sizing for a correct fit. Before purchasing, ask about return and exchange policies in case the saddle doesn't turn out to be a good fit. You may also find assistance with fitting and purchasing a saddle at your local feed and tack shop. Also many online venues offer used saddles for sale. Again, be sure to discuss fitting issues and return policy.
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